We live in a very unique area where, in just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of urban life, one can experience the serenity of a redwood forest, rolling grassy hills, oak woodland forest, streams and lakes, and vistas as far as the eye can see. All of which are open and free of charge every day of the year. It is my hope that everyone takes the opportunity to get out and enjoy this incredible greenbelt that has been and will continue to be preserved by an incredible group of hard working, dedicated and forward thinking people of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.

As a Board member representing Ward 6 of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, it has been my honor to have served the communities of Atherton, La Honda, Menlo Park, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Woodside and the unincorporated areas of south San Mateo County. Since I was initially appointed to the Board in 2000, and subsequently re-elected for 3 more terms, the District has more than doubled in size to over 62,000 acres. We are fortunate to have 12 of the 26 Preserves in our Ward. These include Windy Hill, Russian Ridge, Skyline Ridge, Thornewood, and La Honda, to name a few.

With the public's great support, Measure AA was approved in the last June'selection. There are opportunities to provide greater access, additional trails, opening new preserves, protecting the Redwoods, preserving farmlands, restoring wet-lands and streams, and reducing the risk of wild land fires.

With my environmental background and business experience in owning and operating four neighborhood Hardware Stores, employing over 120 people,I have years of experience dealing with budgeting issues, contracts, human resources, construction, preservation, public outreach, promotions; all areas the Open SpaceBoard deals with in the normal overseeing of the District.

I have spent my entire adult life living and working on the Peninsula. I have a passion for protecting open space and creating opportunities to enjoy it.With the Board's adoption of the Vision statement and the recent passage ofthe funding measure, I look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead for the District.

My broad Board experiences and working with community organizations and non-profits throughout the District boundaries, such as "Christmas in April/ Rebuilding Together", Achieve, Leadership Mid-Peninsula, Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce,Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, have been key influences on my abilities to form the necessary partnerships to build community, tackle tough issues and create positive outcomes. I have also been very active in my Skyline Blvd community, serving on the South Skyline Association Board, the Skyline Historical Society, and on the volunteer fire department.

As the only Director who lives adjacent to any Preserve, I also bring a unique perspective in the form of bringing neighbors' concerns to the Board. As well, I've helped develop a Good Neighbor Policy that the District has adopted.